Bad News Bowl of Veggies?

 

It’s just about impossible to gain weight just by eating veggeis. I mean seriously, you’d have to eat a LOT of ’em.

BUT…

Salads are a different story altogether. Why is it that every time people want to get rid of their belly fat they break out the salad bowls and start eating like a rabbit?

Thing is, MOST salads people eat are loaded with fat and calories. It’s as if people think bacon, cheese and ranch dressing suddenly have amazing fat burning properties when they’re on top of a couple of carrots and broccoli (see picture above). I’ve talked about this before, check out this past post: Should I Eat A Salad Or A Cheeseburger

Look, you probably don’t really want to know how much damage you did the last time you ate "healthy" and went to the salad bar for lunch.

But what’s done is done. Here are the tips you need to remember the next time you order one. They are from the Head of R & D at Prograde Nutrition, registered dietitian Jayson Hunter:

1) Ask for the dressing on the side and dip the tongs of your fork in the dressing and THEN pick up some salad. It gives you just enough flavor and keeps your calorie intake under control.

2) Choose a salad that has grilled protein in it such as chicken or fish. Remember, it should be GRILLED and not fried.

3) Sorry, leave off the cheese and bacon bits. You know why 😉

Stay focused,

Sarai D. Jones

Choose Wisely When Eating Out

 

It’s the weekend and I know that means a lot of you are going to be going out to eat. But keep your food guard up. Saturday and Sunday are the two biggest reasons people find themselves plateauing in their fat loss efforts. In fact whenever a client comes to me to tell me they are no longer making progress I ask them how’s your diet? 9 out of 10 times this is the answer: "I do great during the week, but the weekends are not that good". This causes a vicious cycle that can be very discouraging. But I’m going to give you some tips on how to stay on track even when you are eating out this, or any weekend.

  • Stick with foods that are prepared in a healthy way. Grilled, steamed, baked and broiled are the words you should be looking for on the menu.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask how something is prepared. Lot’s of healthy sounding foods are often served layered in heavy creams or butter sauces.
  • If you are going to eat a pasta dish, chose red sauce over cream based sauce. Another thing to be aware of is the huge serving sizes of most pasta dishes. Box up what you don’t want to eat right away to avoid getting too much of this starchy carb.
  • Skip the all you can eat buffet. Enough said
  • Slow down. Put your fork down between bites and take a sip of water after each mouthful. You’ll be able to feel yourself getting satisfied before the point of over stuffing.
  • Watch the alcohol. Not only is it loaded with calories, you are also more likely to be freer with your food selections and portion sizes.
  • Order everything on the side. When it comes to ordering salads and baked potatoes, get all the extra sauces and creams on the side. Then only use about half of it and you’ll be on track with your portions.
  • Do not allow the breadbasket on your table until your meal has come. It is all to easy to fill yourself up on basket after basket of bread without realizing how much you’ve eaten. When the bread is brought to your table with the food, limit yourself to one piece.
  • You are more likely to stick with all of the above tips if you follow this one: Never go out when you’re starving! Not only will you inhale the bread, chips and other goodies they bring your way, but you are also less likely to stick to your resolve to order healthy.

The bottom line is; you must have a plan as to what you are going to eat and stick with it. If I know I am going to be eating at a chain restaurant, I will take a look at the nutritional info online before I go so I can decide what I’m going to have. Then, I don’t even bother to look at the menu when I get there. I know it will only tempt me. Eating out and losing weight can go together. You just need to be smart about your choices and have a plan.

Stay focused,

Sarai Jones

Belly Fat Blasting Breakfast

 

If you want to burn the fat off your belly you need to burn THIS into your brain first.

Eat breakfast.

Look, you can make fat loss as difficult as you like. You can make it out to be super complicated if you so choose.

But one of the easiest things you can do to start melting the fat off your frame is to start eating a breakfast that boosts your metabolism and sets the tone for fat loss all day long.

Now, there’s a very good chance you’re shaking your head in agreement with me, but saying something like, "That’s great. I know that. But what the heck do I eat?"

Glad you asked 😉

Here are three simple fat fighting breakfasts from Registered Dietitian Jayson Hunter:

1- Cottage cheese mixed with real fruit

2- Hard boiled egg and plain yogurt mixed with real fruit

3- 2 pieces of fruit and a scrambled egg wrap

Seriously, would that be so hard? Don’t you think you can manage that in the morning?

Well, if you can’t Jayson, who is the Head of R & D at Prograde Nutrition, has another suggestion. You can use a nutritious meal replacement shake like Prograde Lean.

Those of you in my boot camp know I love it. It taste so good! In fact, I know Prograde spent 6 months developing Prograde Lean just to get the taste right.

Ok, so there are 4 options for a Belly Fat Blasting Breakfast. Enjoy! And stay tuned for some more great ideas and videos.

Stay focused,

Sarai D. Jones

P.S. This is the website to get the Prograde Lean www.BootyCampNutrition.com You’ll love it

One Last Reminder

 

Doesn’t it seem these days that almost no companies do what they say they are going to do? Don’t you enjoy working with and buying from companies that have their priorities straight? Companies that sell legitimate products and aren’t just in it to make a fast buck.

Look, I’m a fitness professional. I’m selling exercise, nutrition, patience, discipline, sacrifice…

It’s not the world’s easiest sale, that’s for sure. I’d make a LOT more money if I sold you Miracles in a Bottle or told you that you can eat any and all foods you want and still lose weight.

In other words, if I lied to your face, took your money and ran.

But I won’t do that – ever. I have too much character and integrity for that. We’re the "Good Guys" in this marketplace.

And I love working with Prograde Nutrition because they’re on the same side as me. They work hand-in-hand with fitness experts to combat all the lies and myths you are told by the "Bad Guys" day-after-day. Together we’re doing our absolute best to spread the truth about fitness, health and weight loss.

It’s not always easy, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Keep fighting the good fight.

Stay focused,

Sarai D. Jones

PS – The sale ends TONIGHT at 11:59 pm EST.

Remember, Prograde Nutrition is currently having a BIG 10.9% off everything January Celebration Sale to celebrate the New Year and the fact they are now shipping to the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

Yes, that’s 10.9 as in January of 2009 😉

Here are some other details I want to make sure you know about:
– Again, you receive 10.9% off all Prograde products.
– Yes, that 10.9% off will be applicable to SmartShip orders. But it only applies to that first purchase. Not ongoing.

– The coupon code you enter at checkout is:

012009

– The website is www.BootyCampNutrition.com

Weird News From Friends at Prograde

 

As you probably already know, Prograde Nutrition was started by a couple of fitness pros to be a resource for ethical trainers, such as myself. They created a company that I can have complete faith in recommending to you.

I think a lot of people in my industry were laughing behind their backs hoping they would fail. Well, not only have they silenced their critics, their products are so in demand they are now shipping to the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand! Plus, they will soon be able to ship to just about anywhere in the world.
Yes, the products are THAT good and they are that much in demand.

So to celebrate their new shipping destinations, and just to ring in the New Year, they are having a 10.9% off everything sale.
Yes, that’s 10.9 as in January of 2009 😉

Here are some other details I want to make sure you know about:
– Again, you receive 10.9% off all Prograde products.
– It’s going on now and will continue until Thursday, January 15th at 11:59pm EST.

– Yes, that 10.9% off will be applicable to SmartShip orders. But it only applies to that first purchase. Not ongoing.

– The coupon code you enter at checkout is:

012009

– The website is http://www.BootyCampnutrition.com
Oh, and you should definitely check out the ‘Workout’ pre and post recovery drink- that’s my favorite Prograde product. I’ve been using it with pretty amazing results.

Stay focused

Sarai Jones

PS- Remember, this Celebration Sale ends next Thursday, so be sure to order right away and take advantage of these BIG savings. http://www.BootyCampNutrition.com

So-Called Health Food

 

Quick tip: This is the time of year when grocery stores put ‘health’ and ‘diet’ foods on display. Before you reach for that box of ‘health bars’ or ‘100 calorie packs’ take a moment to actually read the nutrition label. Many of these items aren’t healthy at all. They are simply cleverly disguised junk food that will actually promote weight gain rather than weight loss. Stick with items that are low in sugar and fat, and eat fresh produce often.

Stay focused

Sarai Jones

Booty Boot Camp

This Is Getting Out Of Hand!

 

So did you check out the new season of biggest loser this week?

It is a real wake up call that the obesity epidemic is getting out of hand. If you watched the show you know that they have the biggest man and women ever to be on the show. Nearly 400lbs for him and about 370lbs for her.

Wow! I know it’s a show filled with very large people but this season is really like no other!

I was thinking about how and why this is happening to us Americans and one thing that instantly jumped to mind is portion sizes.

Over the past few decades, portion sizes of everything from muffins to sandwiches have grown considerably. From 1977 to 1997, hamburgers expanded by 23%; a plate of Mexican food got 27%
bigger (see above picture); soft drinks increased by 52%; snacks (potato chips, pretzels, crackers) grew 60%.

It’s no wonder that season after season a major TV network can find plenty of severely overweight people to fill its show and "entertain" us.

Take a look at these examples of how much our portion sizes have changed.

This is getting ridiculous!

Well it all stops here. Did you know that just by reducing your portions of the exact same foods you eat now you could begin to lose massive amounts of weight? It’s true. Now think of what will happen when you start making healthier choices as well.

Here are some tips to get you started in the right direction:

  • Use smaller plates and bowls. There’s a proven link between the perceived
    size of food and appetite.
  • Order an appetizer as your meal or order from the lunch menu at dinner time.
  • Pay attention to what you’re eating. You’ll munch away more calories than you realize when you mindlessly stare at the television.
  • Learn how to read food labels. You need to mindful of not only the grams and calories, but you need to pay attention to exactly how many servings are in a package. A lot of products we often eat as one serving are really 2 or more.

The Reality:
You are going to be eating less so don’t be surprised if you feel a little hungry in the beginning. This will pass. Try drinking more water and loading up on fiber filled veggies to help you feel more full until your body adjust.

Start using these tips today. Let’s keep you off the biggest loser!

Stay focused

Sarai D. Jones

Fat Fighting Kung Fu Pills?

 

So another new year is upon us. Untold numbers of people are "resolving" to win the battle of the bulge this year.

Some people are actually laying out a solid plan based on exercise and nutrition.

Others are going to go on yet another fad diet.

Even worse, lots and lots of soon to be disheartened folks will be turning to the latest miracle pill they’ve seen on TV or the Internet.

It’s sad really.

The marketing for these pills gets cranked up to full blast now that it’s January. These far less than reputable companies know how desperate people are. And they certainly know how much greater that desperation becomes in January.

Look, you and I know better. We know that the only way you’re going to Kung Fu that fat off your belly, butt, hips and thighs is to eat right and exercise.

Know what else is sad?

Once people come to grips with the fact they’ve been ripped off over and over by these "miracle" diet pill companies, oftentimes they’ll refuse to listen to reason about nutritional products that have actual benefits.

For instance, did you know that Essential Fatty Acid products help promote fat loss through the stabilization of blood sugar levels?

And that they may also help regulate mood, improve heart health and decrease joint pain?

If people are looking for a pill to take – one that is actually based on research – they should strongly consider adding an Essential Fatty Acids product to their diet.

I’m asked all the time what I use and it’s Prograde’s EFA Icon (you can read more about it here: Prograde Icon

Again, I know you’re to smart to fall for the gimmicks, but if you know of anyone trying a diet pill this January, please tell them to get real. They’ll be better off for it.

Stay focused,

Sarai Jones

PS – Again, if you’re looking to add a great Essential Fatty Acid product to your diet be sure to check out Prograde’s EFA Icon. It’s the best out there. Prograde Icon

The New Year’s Resolution Trap

 

New Year’s day…it never fails to evoke feelings of hope and renewal, but is it really a trap?

You’ve been handed a proverbial clean slate – another chance to shrug off your bad habits and reach for your dreams.

In an attempt to bottle that New Year’s vigor, you’ll make a few New Year’s Resolutions. But before you put pen to paper, you ought to know this:

It has been reported that 92 % of all New Year’s Resolutions end in failure.

That means that less than 1 out of every 10 people will successfully accomplish their resolutions in 2009.

Ouch – those statistics are brutal. Who in their right mind would take the time to make resolutions when failure is that imminent?

As your trusted source for fitness advice, I’d like to coach you though this sticky situation. Yes, most people fail to achieve their New Year’s Resolutions. However, I am going to clue you in on what the 92% do wrong and teach you what the 8% who succeed do right.

First up, the 92% who failed. These well meaning folks shared a common mistake that put the nail in their coffin before they’d even begun.

They bit off more than they could chew.

In all the excitement of becoming a better person and changing their life in the New Year they made the crucial mistake of committing to do too much. But reality set in, a few weeks or even days into their reformed life, and they gave up.

The 92% gave themselves an easy way out. They approached their resolution with an ‘all or nothing’ attitude. Once the ‘all’ became too tough they opted for ‘nothing’. And just like that another resolution ended in failure – end of story.

Now let’s examine the 8% who succeed with their resolutions year after year. The key to their success is quite simple (you may have even guessed it by now).

They set realistic goals.

I’ll repeat that… they set REALISTIC goals.

  • Instead of resolving to lose 50 pounds by June, they commit to exercise 3-4 times each week.
  • Instead of resolving to give up all carbs, they commit to bring healthy snacks to work instead eating from the vending machine.
  • Instead of resolving to drop 3 sizes in 3 months, they commit to losing 1 pound each week until they reach their desired size.
  • Instead of resolving to never eat out again, they commit to eating healthy all week and rewarding themselves with one meal out on the weekends.

Did you see the difference?

If you want your resolution to stick then think of something simple and realistic. Sure, it certainly won’t sound as cool as the resolutions that the 92% make – but they aren’t going to keep theirs anyway.

Remember that the whole point of making a New Year’s Resolution is to become a healthier, happier and more successful person. Small changes done consistently will make a big difference.

If your New Year’s Resolution has to do with losing weight and getting into great shape (and whose isn’t?) then guarantee your success by working with a fitness expert who can show you the ropes and guide you to success.

I’d love to team up with you – together we will transform your body in 2009!

Call or email to get started today. Booty Boot Camp begins January 5th!

Sugar, Sugar, Sugar….. Stop Already!

 

Ok, so I know that that is way easier said than done.

I personally have dealt with a seriously over active sweet tooth most of my life. So much in fact that I weighed nearly 200lbs not too long ago.

So while you really do need to limit added sugar to a small percentage of your daily caloric intake, I know that for most of us women, eliminating it 100% is not happening.

What worked for me and has worked for many of my boot camp clients is to retrain your sweet tooth. I have some ideas for you, read on………..

  • Eat regularly – When you allow yourself to get so hungry that everything looks like the best -pizza, sandwich, donut – you’ve ever seen, there’s no way you are not going to be able to resist that candy bar or cookie that is right in front of you when you’re starving! Also by eating at regular intervals you will keep your blood sugar in check and also help reduce the chance of binge eating.
  • Limit sweets to after your meal -I know to most of you this is a duh thing, but I grew up in a house where dessert was served with dinner! (sorry to rat you out mama) so I thought this was normal. I am happy to say my family has since changed their ways. The point is however, if your tummy is already filled up with good solid food the chances that you will over indulge in sweets is greatly reduced.
  • Curb your cravings with a mini portion – When you just gotta have that treat, try a reduced size of what you want. Instead of a Hershey bar, have a Hershey kiss. It will most likely knock the edge off of the craving allowing you to get control over it without doing damage to your healthy habits. You can also try sharing your dessert with your dinner companions.
  • Un-train your internal sugar alarm clock – If everyday at 3:30pm you grab a cookie what are the chances that your body will begin to "need" that cookie at 3:30pm everyday. In doubt? How long do you go before you remember you need to drink your coffee or tea each morning. Sugar is addictive. If you train your body to expect it at the same time everyday, guess what? It will. Instead of giving in to your sugar craving see what might really be going on. Are you hungry? Are you stressed? Bored? Identify the real reason for your craving and distract yourself with something else. You’ll probably forget about it in less than 20 minutes.
  • Don’t eliminate sweets all together – Some of you may know my motto is "all or nothing gets you nothing" well in this case it’s the opposite. All or nothing will probably have you shoving every piece of chocolate and sugar filled goody in your mouth before weeks end! Yes, restraining too much can lead to binging. Enjoy your treats in moderation.

One of my favorites is the chocolate/peanut butter craver from Prograde. It’s all natural and organic with under 200 calories so I don’t feel guilty when I have one.

This is a battle, I know it firsthand. Don’t beat yourself up for not getting it perfect right off the bat, or ever. Keep working on it. I’ll be here to support you.

Stay focused

Sarai D. Jones